University of Northern Colorado Anthropology Department Collections Preservation Assessment

FAIN: PG-252820-17

University of Northern Colorado (Greeley, CO 80639-6900)
Andrew Theodore Creekmore (Project Director: May 2016 to June 2019)

A general preservation assessment for a collection of 300 prehistoric and historic artifacts made of ceramics, wood, fiber, leather, stone, quills, glass, and feathers that documents Native American cultures of the Plains and Southwest. Highlights include prehistoric ceramics in the Mesa Verde, Chaco, and Casas Grandes styles and historic Pueblo pots from Acoma, Cochiti, San Ildefonso, and Santa Clara pueblos, among others. While at the university, the consultant would also offer a workshop on the basics of environmental monitoring, develop short- and long-term sustainable plans for collection preservation, and mentor a graduate conservation intern.

The Anthropology Department Collections at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) include thousands of archaeological and historic Native American artifacts. An important part of this collection consists of 300 artifacts from the Pueblo, Hohokam, and Plains Cultures of the Western Plains and Southwest. This collection is significant because the prehistoric artifacts document a time of growing social complexity and cultural innovation. Similarly, the historic artifacts were produced at a time when artisan traditions were transforming as they entered an emerging tourist and art market, signaling new, modern cultural identities. With the goal of increasing safe access and preservation, the UNC seeks consultation with a preservation professional for: a) An assessment of exhibit and storage areas and policies; b) Help developing a short and long-term, sustainable preservation plan; c) Providing a workshop on environmental monitoring, handling protocols, and storage upgrades.